How do I tell if my leopard gecko has shed properly around the toes?

[mecoat]

Hi

I got a new leopard gecko between Christmas and New Year. He's just done his first shed with me, and I needed to help him a bit with the bits around his head and toes. I'm not sure how I can be sure that I got all of the stuff around the toes as he's got quite pale toes anyway (I think), he's not quite used to me yet, so I'm not quite sure what is normal colouring. Sorry if you've answered this before, I've looked, but all I can find is info saying you may need to help them, but not how to be sure you've got it all.

I'm a new owner and want to make sure I do everything right.

Thanks very much

 

[avoidtheboyd]

Just soak him for about 10 to 15 minutes and maybe work around his toes gently with a q-tip and it should be very apparent if there is shed starting to come off or not.

 

[mecoat]

I did that this morning, so when nothing more came off he was done? Just checking because I don't want him to lose any toes. Thanks very much

 

[XoVictoryXo]

hey post a picture if you like so we can take a look

 

[mecoat]

Hi

Hopefully these will load and show you what you need to see. Unfortunately my camera doesn't like taking pictures in my "energy-saving" light, but can't buy the old non-energy saving bulbs anymore.

Opinions greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[cricket4u]

Hi

Hopefully these will load and show you what you need to see. Unfortunately my camera doesn't like taking pictures in my "energy-saving" light, but can't buy the old non-energy saving bulbs anymore.

Opinions greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hi,

The pictures are not close or clear enough to see every toe. You would see shed if there was any. What I did notice and concerns me is your substrate. Any loose substrate is dangerous by causing impaction and corneal abrasions.

 

[XoVictoryXo]

Agree about substrate, best to use slate or porcelain tiles.
i see a skin cap on his front toe in this pic

 

[XoVictoryXo]

also he is super cute!!!

 

[mecoat]

Thanks for the advice. The substrate is corn cob pellets, I was given these with the gecko (from the owner of his Mum and Dad) and this is what they use. Is it that bad? the pinky background is my living room carpet (which he hasn't set foot on).

I will double check his toes when I get home tonight.

I think ke's super cute too. My first ever real live pet, and he's the best.

Thanks for your help. I'll try to post more pictures tonight.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks for the advice. The substrate is corn cob pellets, I was given these with the gecko (from the owner of his Mum and Dad) and this is what they use. Is it that bad? the pinky background is my living room carpet (which he hasn't set foot on).

I will double check his toes when I get home tonight.

I think ke's super cute too. My first ever real live pet, and he's the best.

Thanks for your help. I'll try to post more pictures tonight.

Welcome to Geckos Unlimited and the world of leos!

If we all work together, we can get your leo off to a great beginning.

Any particulate substrate (corn cob pellets, bark chips, sand) carries a high risk of impaction. It is not safe at all. Please switch to paper towels for now and consider getting some porcelain or ceramic tiles.

Here's a thorough Leo Setup video: Leopard Gecko Setup - YouTube

and the care guide: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/comm...-demo-video-4-jan-2013-update.html#post302242

 

[mecoat]

I was a little unsure about the corn cob pellets, but was assured that they'd be fine by the owner of the parents. They have quite a menagerie of geckos etc. and said it would be fine, they've never had any issues.

Is vinyl flooring a good substrate? (I've got some left over from when I did my kitchen and it should fit well if I cut it smaller). I can then switch it over every so often to clean it.

Thanks for the advice

 

[mecoat]

Hi trying to post some pics from this evening. I think the toes are OK, but I'd appreciate a second opinion.

One's a little blurry, but I hope you can see all you need.

Thanks

 

[mecoat]

Measurements as Requested

Inside warm dry hide = 91.2F
Warm side 6in up = 74.7F
Cool Dry hide = 71.5F
Cool Air 6in up = 70.4F
Room Air = 71.5F (No I don't know why the air is colder inside the viv than out)

I know these are a bit cold (except on the heat mat), so I've added a spotlight outside the tank temporarily, to try to up the temps.

 

[mecoat]

Pics of Viv

In the image you can see the layout of the viv.

Back left - warm dry hide
Next forward - Warm moist hide
Front left - hide nearest spotlight now (so sort of warm)
Back right - Cool dry hide
Front right - Cool dry hide
Middle of tank - water dish
Front middle - Meal worm dish and Calcium

You can see where I've added the spotlight as a temporary measure.

I'm hoping to build a brand new viv made to measure to the shelving unit, which will come up about 90cm wide x 45cm deep x 40cm high. This will have a ceramic heat emitter in the roof, and an energy saving bulb to add light in the day (but little heat). Not sure how quickly I can do this though. Hoping to make a perfect viv for him. It gets quite dark here in the night time, does he need a light to be able to see where he's going in the dark?

Thanks

 

[mecoat]

Should have said, the third image is sort of a gratuitous pic of Daff, because I think he's cute and thought you might like to see him "moving" about the viv.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Inside warm dry hide = 91.2F
Warm side 6in up = 74.7F
Cool Dry hide = 71.5F
Cool Air 6in up = 70.4F
Room Air = 71.5F (No I don't know why the air is colder inside the viv than out)

I know these are a bit cold (except on the heat mat), so I've added a spotlight outside the tank temporarily, to try to up the temps.

Daff IS a cutie!

Thanks for these measurements and pictures. It is usually length x width x height. Without a custom background, you don't want to go beyond about 32 cm tall.

The warm air temperature concerns me. Too cool. How adding a dome bulb? That's the only way you will be able to increase the warm air temps.

Leo's eyes are sensitive to bright lights. That's why a CHE or maybe an Exo Terra Night-glo Moonlight bulb or something like that.

 

[cassicat4]

I have to say, Daff is adorable...and I'm truly excited for you with this being your first real pet!

My first reptile was a Leopard gecko, and I found that there is something very unique and special about them that sets them apart from all other reptiles. I hope you enjoy yours as much as the rest of those at GU do.

With some minor husbandry changes as mentioned, you'll be good to go.

 

[mecoat]

Hi,

I don't currently have a CHE, but I'm gonna get one with a porcelain fitting. I'm gonna put it in the new tank. I know the current tank is too high (it was given to me with Daff). That's one of the reasons I'm gonna make a new one. I know the light isn't ideal, but it should raise the temps in the viv. He's got plenty of hides that are dark inside still, hopefully that should protect his eyes. He was quite active last night once I turned on the light (more than he's been for a while), so I think the extra heat is good for him. Do you think I should turn off the spot light and have it cold, or leave the light on with the extra heat?

Thanks

 

[mecoat]

I have to say, Daff is adorable...and I'm truly excited for you with this being your first real pet!

My first reptile was a Leopard gecko, and I found that there is something very unique and special about them that sets them apart from all other reptiles. I hope you enjoy yours as much as the rest of those at GU do.

With some minor husbandry changes as mentioned, you'll be good to go.

Thanks for this. I'm already enjoying having him, I think I'm developing a new Obsession (if I haven't already).

 

[mecoat]

OK, so I checked the temps again tonight, and the spotlight has raised the temps by a couple of degrees F. I know the light's not ideal, but it does seem to be bringing the temps up. I've a 100W CHE and fitting on order, which will hopefully be soon. When I got home this evening, he was asleep like this (out of the hides), so I assume the light isn't bothering his eyes too much, or is he just stupid and can't tell it's too bright?

I can't put a CHE (or dome light) in the current viv, as it's a wooden viv and can't adapt it really. The new one will have it all set up.

The wood's bought for the new viv. What did you mean about the height? I need some room, otherwise he might brain himself on the light and CHE (which will be mounted inside on a timer and thermostat). Also, I need to be able to reach inside to clean etc., if the hole is too small, I can't reach inside. I've got Acrylic doors to come. Hoping he's going to enjoy his new viv when it's made.